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SeaWorld sends manatees to Ohio zoos for rehab stints

SeaWorld sends manatees to Ohio zoos for rehab stints | iNFOnews.ca
This undated photo provided by Cincinnati Zoo shows from left, manatees, Mathew, Pippen, and Miles. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden received three manatees this week and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium one from SeaWorld Orlando. Both zoos are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership. Pippen, Miles and Mathew in Cincinnati and Goober in Columbus will be part of manatee exhibits while they gain weight in preparation for their return to the wild. (Cincinnati Zoo via AP)
Original Publication Date: October 21, 2017 6:21AM
Publication Updated: April 24, 2025 11:13PM

CINCINNATI – Orphaned manatees from SeaWorld Orlando have been sent to two Ohio Zoos to receive care before they're eventually released into the wild.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden received three manatees this week and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium received one. Both zoos are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership.

Two Cincinnati manatees, meanwhile, have been flown back to Florida. BamBam will receive care at SeaWorld before his release next year. Betsy, in Cincinnati since 2010, isn't a candidate for release and now lives at her new permanent home in a Florida state park.

Pippen, Miles and Mathew in Cincinnati and Goober in Columbus will be part of manatee exhibits while they gain weight in preparation for their return to the wild.

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Taylor Rae

Before university, Taylor spent a year abroad living in Thailand which encouraged her to finish her degree studying in Turkey, both experiences have made her an avid traveller. Taylor graduated from Thompson Rivers University with a degree in Communications and Public Relations. Although born on the coast, Taylor has lived the majority of her life in Kamloops and enjoys what the region has to offer. In her spare time, you can find Taylor volunteering in the community or out on an adventure with her friends and her dogs.

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